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  1. Home
  2. Real Stories

Real Stories

Everyone has a story to tell, here are some of the real stories of St Petrocs clients.

"I was really scared that my dog and I were going to be forced to sleep rough"

Michelle shares her experience of homelessness with her dog, Jessie, and what it was like to move into our accommodation. Read more

Published: 9th October, 2020

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Iain Inchley

“ I don’t recognise the guy I was anymore”

“ I don’t recognise the guy I was anymore”

Luke shares his transformative story from the moment he moved into St Petrocs’ accommodation, and eventually found his own place to call home. Read more

Published: 11th October, 2020

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Iain Inchley

“The deal breaker, which put me on the streets, was Covid”

“The deal breaker, which put me on the streets, was Covid”

After the Covid pandemic put a stop to his garden maintenance business, Jason was unable to pay rent and lost his home. Jason shares how he was supported by St Petrocs and how he discovered a new career in welding. Read more

Published: 12th October, 2020

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Iain Inchley

Helen's Story

Helen's Story

Sent to Cornwall with nothing during the pandemic Read more

Published: 29th July, 2021

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Jess Rawlings

“I wouldn’t have survived if I had to sleep rough.

“I wouldn’t have survived if I had to sleep rough."

Glen is a veteran who struggled with long-term health problems. After an informal living arrangement fell apart, he turned to St Petrocs for support. Read more

Published: 7th August, 2021

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Jess Rawlings

Martin's Story

Martin's Story

Martin came to St Petrocs to seek housing support after a relationship breakdown with his partner of 30 years. Read more

Published: 18th August, 2021

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Jess Rawlings

Beth's Story

Beth's Story

Pushed into homelessness at 14 years old. Beth was rough sleeping on the streets of London for many years before being given new opportunities. Read more

Published: 16th September, 2021

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Jess Rawlings

Matt's Story

Matt's Story

Matt was made homeless at 16 years old didn’t have the easiest start to life. Read more

Published: 8th October, 2021

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Jess Rawlings

“I didn’t know where to go or what to do”

“I didn’t know where to go or what to do”

Scott now has steady and sustainable employment and somewhere to live long term after engaging with our services. Read more

Published: 28th March, 2023

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Jess Rawlings

Chloe's Story

Chloe's Story

Chloe used her time staying in our Winter Service as an opportunity to continue working, save up and plan for the future. Read more

Published: 20th April, 2023

Updated: 29th November, 2024

Author: Jessica Rush

Josh's Story

Josh's Story

Josh's job came with accommodation, so he was pushed into homelessness when his role came to an end. Through staying in our Winter Services, he was able to avoid life on the street. Read more

Published: 20th April, 2023

Updated: 18th June, 2025

Author: Jessica Rush

"I didn't realise that you could be homeless but still have a roof over your head..."

Jodie shares the story of her experience of homelessness, which was caused by relationship breakdown and insecure accommodation, and sheds an important light on how anyone can experience homelessness without realising it... Read more

Published: 1st January, 2024

Updated: 13th May, 2025

Author: Alice Peters

"I had the perfect upbringing, I've had a lovely life …and then all of a sudden it all goes wrong for you"

Jason reflects on his experience of homelessness, sharing his positive attitude and his future plans as he moves into a new home of his own. Read more

Published: 24th September, 2024

Updated: 30th October, 2024

Author: Alice Peters

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Latest

  • Supporting people and their pets

    Supporting people and their pets

    At St Petrocs, we recognise the vital emotional support and companionship that pets provide.

  • Bishop Fleming - Truro

    Bishop Fleming - Truro

    In the Truro office, we’re supporting St Petrocs, due to the essential support they provide in aid of those who are homeless or at risk, offering accommodation, outreach, and personalised help with health, employment, and finding long-term housing.

    By fundraising, we’re seeking to help them to continue this vital work and support more people in building safer, more stable lives.

  • Prince William visits St Petrocs at Nansledan to mark progress on homes tackling homelessness in Cornwall

    Prince William visits St Petrocs at Nansledan to mark progress on homes tackling homelessness in Cornwall

  • Tregothnan Private Garden Open Weekend raises £70,000 for St Petrocs

    Tregothnan Private Garden Open Weekend raises £70,000 for St Petrocs

    We’re incredibly grateful to share that St Petrocs was supported by Tregothnan’s Private Garden Open Weekend in April 2026, raising £70,000 towards our work to end homelessness in Cornwall.

Most read

  • Useful Donations

    Useful Donations

    We have a specific range of items that are most useful to us to ensure that we have the most appropriate items to suit the individual circumstances of our clients.

  • How we help people

    How we help people

    Our ambition is to end homelessness in Cornwall. We have developed strategic objectives focused on four areas which contribute to achieving our mission: preventing homelessness, making homelessness an exception, making the experience of homelessness short and supporting people out of homelessness for good.

  • Homelessness in Cornwall

    Homelessness in Cornwall

    Cornwall has long had a shortage of affordable housing. Housing supply for local people continues to be squeezed with more and more properties being used as holiday accommodation.

  • Our history

    Our history

    St Petrocs has been working with people experiencing homelessness in Cornwall since 1986 years. Find out more about our history.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We have 24 houses with 166 bed spaces across Cornwall. Find out more about our Supported Accommodation and information on how to get a room.

  • Resource Centres

    Resource Centres

    We have two resource centres in Cornwall, one in City Road Truro, and the Breadline Centre, Penzance. These centres offer those who are at risk of, or currently sleeping rough, support to find accommodation, alongside general advice and access to essential supplies.

  • Steve Ellis

    Steve Ellis

    It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Steve Ellis. Whilst Steve had been very unwell, his passing has come as a shock to us all.

  • Other ways to give

    Other ways to give

    Easyfundraising and using our Amazon Wishlist are some of the simplest ways to raise money for St Petrocs. Every time you buy something online you could also be raising money for us at the check out.

  • Make a donation

    Make a donation

    Thank you for choosing to support St Petrocs. We believe that everyone should have a safe and secure place to call home. Your support will enable us to provide essential services for people experiencing homelessness in Cornwall.

  • Making a Difference

    Making a Difference

    The impact of our work has the power to transform lives and communities. Could you help us?

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St Petrocs is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 12320784 and registered as a Charity number 1187077.

Registered office Peat House, Newham Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2DP    

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